The weight loss industry has its share of overly hyped supplements, but some remain in the spotlight for many years. Ephedra was once widely used in weight loss pills, but now it is banned in the United States after the deaths of some young women were linked with its regular use. Other less harmful herbal weight loss aids were popular until those trying to lose weight deemed them too mild. How is it that hoodia remains in the weight loss game?

Used for centuries by native hunters in South Africa, hoodia is a cactus. The hunters chewed on the stems of this cactus while out on lengthy hunts in sparse vegetation. Hoodia seemed to stave off their hunger, which lead researchers to explore the use of hoodia as an appetite suppressant.

It turns out that p57, a component of hoodia, acts as an appetite suppressant by mimicking glucose in the body. Hunger is triggered when blood glucose levels drop and the brain sends a signal to the hypothalamus, which then sends you that familiar feeling of hunger. This is of course, where most of us cave when trying to diet and lose weight.

Because our hunger is triggered by low blood glucose levels, p57 is capable of tricking the brain into thinking the blood glucose levels are fine and therefore, hunger is suppressed. For this reason, diabetics should not use hoodia as an appetite suppressant. However, hoodia seems to be a very popular appetite suppressant for those who have been consuming a typical Western diet. Why?

Likely, the typical Western diet is probably why hoodia remains a popular appetite suppressant. Our diets are high in sugar ever since the introduction of so many refined carbohydrates. We moved away from whole grains for the ease of preparing processed foods. We grew accustomed to their sweet taste and lack of texture. We have also seen obesity rates go through the roof!

Despite the abuse we place on our bodies, our bodies try to adapt. When you consume a diet high in sugar, your body begins to adapt to a higher than normal level of blood sugar. The hunger response is triggered more quickly. You begin to crave sugar. For this reason, hoodia may help you kick your sugar habit and help you lose weight more quickly.

Think about what ditching the refined carbohydrates would do for your weight loss efforts. All of those empty calories, burned up quickly and converted to fat would be off the menu. In their place could be more healthful choices that promote weight loss. If hoodia can help you achieve that difficult feat, then I can see why it remains a popular appetite suppressant.

As well, provided you do not have diabetes or low blood sugar, hoodia remains a fairly safe appetite suppressant compared to dangerous stimulant type suppressants such as ephedra. When you buy hoodia, make sure it is 100% pure.

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